The comic industry has lost a true legend today. Legendary Preacher co-creator and all around gifted artist Steve Dillon has died.

The news first broke from a Tweet by Dillon’s younger brother cartoonist Glyn Dillon

Dillon, a comic prodigy began working in comics at the young age of 16. His first professional work came in the form of Hulk Weekly for Marvel U. K.. He would also make many artistic contributions to the 2000 AD and Warrior titles.

Yet, it would be the fateful meeting and many future collaborations with writer Garth Ennis that would solidify Dillon’s true greatness and permanent stamp on the comic book landscape.

The two first collaborated on the DC Vertigo title Hellblazer from 1992 to 1994, starring the always irreverent Supernatural Detective John Constantine. Their collaboration on this title was only a taste of what was to come with their 1995 co-created title Preacher that ran from 1995 through 2000 and is now a hit show on the AMC network.

The stories, the look and the palpable atmosphere that bled through the pages of Steve’s art throughout the Preacher book have now truly become immortal. His work was rude and crude, with each panel drowning in heartfelt emotion. Dillon could make a cock of an eye brow or a crying smile tell a thousand stories. His imagery could make you feel hauntingly alone or safe and sound with your best friend and lover by your side. He could really make you feel.